More secure VPN clients for handsets

New services for mobile workers should boost remote security

Mobile devices are getting better security options, with the announcement of two new client-side virtual private network (VPN) tools for secure communications within corporate infrastructures.

Security firm Check Point has released a new mobile client for wireless handhelds, and said it has moved from using IP Security (IPSec) to a secure sockets layer (SSL) VPN system. It has also been re-designed to minimise the memory demands on mobile devices, which typically have much fewer resources available than laptop computers.

Integrity SecureClient Mobile is aimed at Microsoft-based devices, according to Check Point, and supports kit running Windows Mobile 5.0 and the older Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. Security manager Caroline Ikomi said that Symbian smartphones will be supported in future. The new client uses the same authentication methods that are used on laptops, according to Ikomi, such as certificates or RSA’s SecurID. It also allows automatic re-authentication if users connect through a different method, for example when handing off from a 3G mobile connection to the corporate Wi-Fi network. Check Point’s Integrity SecureClient Mobile is available now for about £20 + VAT per client.

Meanwhile, security appliance vendor Blue Coat Systems said it intends to secure endpoints by rolling out its mobile client architecture, with the initial release scheduled for the first quarter of 2007. Blue Coat’s SG Client will use the firm’s Mach5 app acceleration system, used in the company’s network security appliances, to speed up applications and reduce WAN traffic.